Which of the following metric prefixes represents a factor of 10^3?

• A. mega-
• B. kilo-
• C. milli-
• D. centi-

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metric prefixes represent specific powers of ten, which are used to express multiples or fractions of units.
2. Recall that 'kilo-' corresponds to a factor of \$10^{3}$, meaning it multiplies the base unit by 1,000.
3. Recognize that 'mega-' represents \$10^{6}\(, which is a million times the base unit, so it is larger than \)10^{3}$.
4. Know that 'milli-' corresponds to \$10^{-3}\(, which is one-thousandth of the base unit, and 'centi-' corresponds to \)10^{-2}$, or one-hundredth of the base unit.
5. Therefore, identify 'kilo-' as the prefix that represents a factor of \$10^{3}$.